As part of the merger, Hayes Macfarlane partners Tom Stewart, Colin Stewart and Ian Hope become partners in CKD Galbraith and all other staff also transfer to the company.

James Galbraith, chair of CKD Galbraith, said: “We are delighted to welcome the staff of Hayes Macfarlane to CKD Galbraith today.

“The chance to join forces with an established and successful business such as Hayes Macfarlane was perfect as we continue to seek opportunities to build and enhance our services to clients. The expertise of their partners is widely acknowledged within the farming and rural sectors so to add to our presence in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire – and introduce three new respected partners to our firm in the process – is a development welcomed by all at CKD Galbraith.”

Tom Stewart, partner in charge of CKD Galbraith’s new Aberdeen office, said: “Hayes Macfarlane’s merger with CKD Galbraith has allowed us to join with the leading team of rural land and property specialists in Scotland.

“Our business had a good reputation and we had already been approached on previous occasions by companies who wanted us to join them.

“However, we wanted to wait until the correct opportunity presented itself and the merger with CKD Galbraith provided that. CKD Galbraith is a highly respected firm that shares the same ethos we had created at Hayes Macfarlane.

“The challenge now is to continue this progress to the benefit of agricultural and rural businesses across Scotland.”